ABOUT RISE

Data: International Centre for Prison Studies

The Problem: Post-incarceration barriers

Half of the world's prison population is held in the United States, China or Russia. In the U.S., recidivism (re-offense) rates are high. According to the National Bureau of Justice Statistics, within three years of release, about two thirds (67.8 percent) of people released from prison were re-arrested. Within five years, about three quarters (76.6 percent) were re-arrested. Why?

People with criminal charges face barriers that affect their ability to succeed post release. These barriers include employment, safe and affordable housing, education opportunities, public assistance, and more. So, how can we help?

At RISE, we believe local resources and positive stories will help prepare individuals for life after release.

our Mission is to help remove barriers individuals may face after incarceration so they can successfully reenter the community

As a newspaper, RISE seeks to reduce these barriers by providing local resource listings to those who are currently behind bars. Each print issue includes a list of social service organizations; including substance treatment facilities, shelters, food and clothing centers, healthcare, family support, education assistance and more. Our readers can pinpoint the services they want to utilize post release.

HOUSING

Without stable housing, returning citizens are twice as likely to become involved with the criminal justice system again than those living in stable housing.

EDUCATION

Those who are incarcerated report lower levels of education. An estimated 47 percent of people in local jails do not hold a high school diploma, in comparison to 18 percent of the general population

HEALTHCARE

Chronic diseases, such as HIV-infection and substance use disorder, are overrepresented among those in jail and prison. In the two-week period post release, individuals are at an increased risk of death.

EMPLOYMENT

More than 60 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals are unemployed one year after being released. Those who find jobs earn 40 percent less pay annually.

Data: Ohio Poverty Law Center, National Bureau of Justice Statistics, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, The Sentencing Project